But now, standing at this moment, we had let the chance for happiness slip away.

After leaving home, I cut all ties with Dwayne and stayed in a hotel for three days.

Grief consumed me, weakening my body to the point where I had no choice but to seek medical attention.

It was at the hospital’s obstetrics and gynecology department that I unexpectedly ran into Dwayne and Annie.

Annie had just stepped out of the examination area, clutching a film from her check-up. When she saw me, her innocent eyes blinked, and she smiled sweetly, "What a coincidence, Tricia! I wasn’t feeling well, so Mr. Doyle insisted on bringing me to the hospital for a check-up. I didn’t expect to see you here."

I didn’t have the energy to wonder what had made Annie feel unwell—or why Dwayne had accompanied her to the obstetrics and gynecology department.

"I heard that Tricia had abdominal pain a few days ago. Is she feeling better now?" Annie asked with feigned concern, her tone syrupy sweet, yet only I could detect the mockery hidden within her words.

I pulled out my registration slip and replied calmly, "It's fine now. You don’t need to worry."